Save Our Parks: Lib Dems launch petition on Council’s Events Policy

Wandsworth Liberal Democrats have launched a new petition calling on the Council to pause and explain its draft ‘Events in Parks' Policy — a major set of changes that could see more commercial events in our parks, with less public access and little accountability.

The consultation, which closes on Monday 12 May 2025, has been launched without face-to-face engagement or the level of transparency local people deserve. We believe residents have a right to be properly informed and consulted before big changes are made to how our parks are used.

More questions than answers

Wandsworth Lib Dems have reviewed the policy in detail — and we’re left with more questions than answers. There’s no clear list of which parks are affected, no proper definition of what counts as an “event”, and no clear explanation of how noise, disruption or late-night activity will be managed.

We’re concerned that the draft policy:

• Includes no environmental or financial impact assessments
   
• Expands commercial use of parks without setting clear limits
   
• Leaves key decisions (like running events past 10pm) up to unnamed officers, with no public oversight
   
• Has no meaningful public consultation — no drop-ins, no meetings, no real chance to ask questions
   

We want a fair, open process

Wandsworth’s parks are among the borough’s greatest assets — and local people care deeply about them. This policy risks commercialising our precious green heritage spaces without a clear public benefit.

“Residents deserve clear answers before this policy is pushed through. Right now, it’s all too vague — and the people and groups who use and love these parks every day are being left out of the conversation,” said Lara Fiorani, Liberal Democrat campaigner for Wandsworth. “We’re calling for a pause, for proper consultation, and for a policy that puts our communities and green spaces first.”

How you can help

🖊️ Sign the petition now

Add your name and join local people calling for transparency and real community involvement.

👉 Sign the petition here

Send your response directly to the Council

You can email: consult@wandsworth.gov.uk

The consultation closes Monday 12 May — make your voice heard today.

Let’s make sure any changes to our parks are made with the community, not without us.